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So, I missed the 8pm showing of Black in America 2. I was out doing my part to bring the truth, the light, and the American way to minorities at a major university.
Yes, Panama is a teacher on the side.
As I currently sit and watch the last episode, I must admit, though its depressing as all hell, BiA2 has done some good. And you know how much I love to highlight the good, great, and Beyonce things that exist in this world. I mean, what the world needs now, is love, sweet love, that’s the only thing that there’s just to little of.
So, let’s look at some of the positive things about Black in America 2.
1) More Black people are on TV
It’s like a Tyler Perry movie, except I’m not cringing every 10 seconds because a 6’5″ man dresses as a woman is on screen wearing a muumuu. That alone is a win. Thank you CNN…
2) Since the show is really for white people, it’s safe to assume that white people that watch will give Black people jobs
I mean with such indepth and striking analysis of the Black condition, white people can’t help but want us to succeed right? Yay! I mean that’s great for the economy, world religions, and Beyonce.
3) Get to see folks on the front lines
We so rarey get the opportunity to see who’s out there trying to make a difference that it is good to see and hear stories about people who, even if its a bit misguided or incomplete, are still doing more than those of us who’s contribution extends to merely watching Black in America.
4) Soledad is making out like a mothertrucking champ
Black in America, Latino in America..she’s a nonstop snowball of investigative journalism. My comments aside, I applaud her for getting stuff like this greenlighted, even if I don’t think they have the resources to really tackle anything. CNN is the Defensive Back of doing race based investigative reporting. But at least somebody’s doing it. Kudos to Soledad.
5) A chick with the name Soledad is on air
I always liked that name. And because of George Jackson it comes across as a revolutionary name. Much better than Crispus, which by all accounts means, “he who gets shot first”.
6) The Black upper class is given the opportunity to show off and air out some grievances
Most of us couldn’t care less about the plight of the upper crust, however, they still have a plight so in some ways, its good that they get the opportunity to get on TV and say, “its hard out here for me because white people still think I’m just a ninja. Why for come they don’t realize that I’m rich and I’m wearing my clothes this way because I’m ironic?” Point is, everybody has a story and everybody deserves the chance to tell it. Like our ex-con friend from BiA2: Part 2 who from what I can tell…got popped DURING THE SHOW and is going back to jail???
Da hell???
7) Lots of good advertising for some Black businesses
Nobody’s talking about it really, but I kind of feel like some of these segments (MLT, Black Marriage) were nothing more than long ass paid advertisements. But Black business is just that, business, and needs customers. So if BiA2 just added a few more folks to their client or consumer list, well, great. Even if more folks applying (can you even apply for it?) to MLT would only serve to make the program seem more exclusive.
8) Got black people talking and congregating, without a DJ present
Very few things get black people that read talking about relevant issues. And even less keep us doing it outside of the club. Definitely a positive thing.
So in conclusion, CNN, Panama Jackson, and Wu-Tang Clan are for the children.
So my people, what good do you think comes from series like Black in America 2, if anything?
Or am I just blowing smoke?
Puff puff pass.
-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka TANGLE JIG P aka GIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL, HE A 3
Related posts:
- Still Black: 7 Things I Learned While Watching CNN’s Black In America 2
- Voice of Black America: 5 Things I’d Just Like To Put Out There…For Putting It Out There’s Sake.
- I Am Coming To America.
- extra, extra: the five biggest breaking news stories in black america in the past 25 years
- VSB.com Special Report: The Return of the Black Man’s Hat…Again
{ 245 comments… read them below or add one }
LMAO @ Much better than Crispus, which by all accounts means, “he who gets shot first”.
you are so wrong for that. lol!!
@N.I.A. naturally,
the free advertisement and getting black people talking are probably the 2 best things that came out of this. Black businesses get a bad rap from many black people, so showing successful black businesses is a great take away from BiA2. And seeing these black businesses could possibly be an impetus for others who want to start their own business or non-profit organization. And even though I didn’t give a thorough twitter review of the Harlem Children’s Zone(sorry PJ), I definitely enjoyed all of the segments about education.
And all you have to do is log on to twitter to see how much black folk are talking about this. If anything, this has definitely brought a lot of us together to talk about something other than hip-hop and Michael Jackson
@N.I.A. naturally,
“. If anything, this has definitely brought a lot of us together to talk about something other than hip-hop and Michael Jackson
COSIGN for sure… I appreciate anything that gets folks talking about something constructive…
@Naturally Alise,
Yeah! Like solange’s new haircut (which I think looks decent, btw. She just needs to rock big earrings).
@Thuggie Luvvie, it does not look decent. get your contacts checked. she now looks like reggie miller.
@P-Money,
OOOOOO!!! U bogus!
*whispers* Now that you mention it, she do resemble Reggie a lil. I hatechu for making me think of Reggie errtime I see that pic now.
@Naturally Alise, i feel the same way about new socks.
“Got black people talking and congregating, without a DJ present” …
So true! Even though the program didn’t get the highest of marks from the African American community, at least we got together on blogs, twitter and chat rooms to have intelligent discourse about it.
If nothing else there’s tremendous value in that. And it didn’t take anyone’s “nana” dying to make it happen…
@JR, I agree. I think I have been pretty hard on the reporting but the truth is I didn’t expect it to be any better than it already was lol. Maybe the root of the problem is there’s nowhere else that would really look at our issues, except maybe PBS? Definitely not BET and I am doubtful about TV One too…
@Liz,
its funny, out of the three people i think would do the most in-depth and thorough coverage, two of them (ken burns and david simon) are white.
@Liz, I would love to see something like this on PBS. And I think they could do a great job at it without all of the hype and the pregame show, and all of the other things CNN did to increase their ratings. And people who don’t have cable would be able to see it.
@JR, so true…it seems like in the past two weeks, what should be pretty peaceful and uplifting events are being littered with gunshots.
just last week i saw a driveby happen while a fireman was taking a cat out of the tree.
by the way, that totally didn’t happen.
7) Lots of good advertising for some Black businesses
Nobody’s talking about it really, but I kind of feel like some of these segments (MLT, Black Marriage) were nothing more than long ass paid advertisements. But Black business is just that, business, and needs customers.
great point. i also think it’s necessary to highlight (to 2520s) that black folk are indeed entrepreneurs and are capable of having successful, meaningful (esp to the black community) businesses.
altho nothing grinds my gears more than bad black business ppl. it infuriates me when black businesses have poor customer service and just overall poor business etiquette. but that’s besides the point Peej was making…
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, we’re talking about the GOOD gemmy, the GOOD.
i think this 2nd one did a better job of covering more angles of black folk. that said, why couldn’t track down latarian milton?
@overit,
LOL my bad. i couldn’t resist the urge to air my grievances about bad black businesses. i’m all about supporting black business but negroes make it real difficult sometimes!! ugh…. JBABBBFBB
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, Jesus Be A Better Business Bureu For Black Folk!!!
Tell me I’m right! I love guessing the JB references lmao.
@overit,
lmao you are soooooo special. and you had it almost right except the last word should be Business, NOT Folk. reading is fundamental — have you learned nothing from BiA2?? obviously not… lol
@overit,
Me too! They’re so fun! and yes, we are dorks.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
JBABBBFBB
Is this… “Jeebs be a Better Business Bureau for Black Businesses”?
Did I get it?
@Thuggie Luvvie,
ding ding ding ding ding!! (please get your perry on and help overit with her reading)
@Gemmie,
YESSSS!!! *pumps lilliputian fists*
And umm… Overit knows reading is FUNdamental but Hooked on Phonics ain’t work for her
@Thuggie Luvvie, Well with the recession even Hooked on Phonics ain’t working… Poor Overit may never read at this rate…
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
uh, taking a stab here…
Jeebs Be A Better Business Bureau for Black Businesses?
you know the rule. If I get it right, I get a gift! I accept cash, check, charge and shoes.
@blackberry molasses,
yes on the stab. no on the gifts.
@blackberry molasses,
**considering dumping e-chile number 2 for bein’ stingy**
@blackberry molasses,
ok ok ok. i shall give you some ne-yo-ish lipgloss to preserve your avatar sexy.
@Tanned and Lovely Gemmie,
I’ll take lip gloss. My collection is fierce. And yes, avatar sexy preservation is important.
**loves e-chile again**
@blackberry molasses,
thank you recognizing my tanned loveliness *beaming w/ pride*
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, UGH! In my haste, I didn’t see the last B, GRRRRR.
Luvvie and Bbmo, stop trying to beat me at my game!!!!
@overit, i think this 2nd one did a better job of covering more angles of black folk. that said, why couldn’t track down latarian milton?
hahahaha! People are hard to find when they’re off doing hood rat things with their friends!
I would just like to make note of how nothing positive was said about Madea or Tyler Perry in this post, and that’s a positive.
Dude’s personal story is great. But yeah ……. we’re keeping it positive, right? Guess I’ll keep my mouth closed.
@thismayconcernyou,
LOL I like TP….well I like “makin movies” TP, not plays.
@AshleyNeicole,
see, i’m a fan of the plays–madea is in “her” best comedic form on stage.
@thismayconcernyou,
cosign
@thismayconcernyou,
Dude’s personal story is great. But yeah ……. we’re keeping it positive, right? Guess I’ll keep my mouth closed.
LOL
@The Champ,
sorry imo TP is teachin kids that its okay to cross dress to get rich *yea i said it*.
spike neva sold out, hughes broths didnt, Singleton, with out the paper would yall still like him?
@thismayconcernyou, yeah, even i would only go so far. lol. plus, tyler perry automatically makes people spit.
and that can’t be good for the community as a whole.
@thismayconcernyou,
idk, i think his professional story is pretty darn great. rejected by Hollywood, then decides to have his OWN studio, so he can do his OWN stuff… hiring black actors, writers, producers, directors, marketing people, PR people…and basically putting himself in a position to do more and better than House of Payne in the future. Ownership…something we should stress in the black community. How many writers have allowed Hollywood to change their stories so they can fit mainstream America? b/c we all know black people aren’t mainstream…or american (despite what CNN says). I have an example of one, but I’m sure there are more… http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=articles/news/moving_america_news/5992
idk, we give TP a hard time b/c of his content…but right now, he is doing more for blacks in the industry than anyone else in the industry. i just pray he doesn’t cast Beyonce in anything that requires her to speak….
@N.I.A. naturally,
i co-sign all over this comment, sis.
@N.I.A. naturally,
i just pray he doesn’t cast Beyonce in anything that requires her to speak….
LMAO!
@thismayconcernyou, it was kinda dope to see Tyler Perry cameo in Star Trek.
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
he was GREAT in that movie. the man can act and play a very convincing hetero in command.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
the man can act and play a very convincing hetero in command.
You said it, I didn’t…..
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
**snicker**
to your point #5 Mr. P
I just want to point out that Soledad means “alone”, which is where Mrs. O’Brien is in her racial investigative journalism
@Intellectual Hedonist is on her way to Vegas to live up to her name,
thank you, wise latina
@Intellectual Hedonist is on her way to Vegas to live up to her name, she ain’t alone…
…at least 4 of us watched it.
I’m just bout sicka all this talk about this special. Y’all treating it like the 2nd coming of “Roots”. Kunta ain’t in it! When will we go back to discussing the important things in life? Like “What if Lil Wayne’s dirty locs harbor the cure for cancer?” and “If Soulja boy was a childhood ailment, which would he be?” (I say measles but others may disagree).
Just wondering…
@Thuggie Luvvie,
**snort**
you ain’t got no good gotdayum sense! So WHERE are my Good Sense Smellin’ Salts that were left out of my SADDOWN Gift Basket?
Taker-backer like a MUG! ugh… just RUDE.
@Thuggie Luvvie,
I’d say Soulja Boy is the equivalent of whooping cough: won’t necessarily kill you but is annoying as he!!.
@V.E.G.,
LOL!! i was thinking more along the lines of HPV — annoying, highly contagious, and not going away any time soon.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
Or herpes…the gift that keeps on giving.
YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
@Thuggie Luvvie, Way to try and derail the otherwise intelligent discussion on this topic. If you don’t want to talk about it, don’t read and comment.
Dearest GOI,
That stick up ur *SS is begging to be removed. It must hurt. A LOT.
Sinsurrly,
Luvvie
@Thuggie Luvvie,
I need to tell that to my boss…
@Thuggie Luvvie, I’m just bout sicka all this talk about this special.
shiiiiiiiiiiiit, me too. i’m so not talking about this tomorrow.
@Panama Jackson,
LMAO!
I seriously clicked this link twice thinking that this was yesterday’s post.
I mean, seriously BIA 2 was a lot better than the first one but does it really deserve 2 posts, 1 of which is in place of Friday Fun?
I feel like Im being penalized.. Hell Im black in America, I volunteer, I mentor, I am PTA and all o that to make up for my past ghetto transgressions…….DAYUM can I catch a friday break, where my freestyle friday, list my favorite shyt type post…
but then this aint my blog.. LMAO so I guess I dont feel as strongly as i thought since I aint started one…
F!ck it.. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
@shay_d_lady, LMAO @ past ghetto transgressions.
forget BiA2, can you tell stories??
Please?
*Overit puppy eyes*
@overit,
*Overit puppy eyes*
I thought you were a thug. Since when do thugs do “puppy eyes”?
Yeah, your thug needs the Standing Army of the Peoples Republic of China at this point…
@blackberry molasses, *child emancipation laws*
@overit, forget BiA2, can you tell stories??
nope..LMAO.. I shall just leave a comment
@shay_d_lady, right. can’t win them all, everyday.
@shay_d_lady,
“but then this aint my blog”
…………………………………
@The Champ,
you know what champ you been actin real brand new with me…. whats the deal? LOL you dont want me to comment on your blog no mo?
my feelings wont be hurt…
Like John Mayer said
“say what you need to say”…..
hmmm.. I probably should have come up with a more gangsta quote..
hey thugs like John Mayer…
I think…LOL
@shay_d_lady, i don’t think that extended elipses was directed towards you shay, lol.
@shay_d_lady, I seriously clicked this link twice thinking that this was yesterday’s post.
wait…it’s not?!?!? i didn’t update. somebody done came thru and stol’d my site and wrote a new post. i’m tired of this sh*t on my blog too.
folks keep talking about current events. busters.
@Panama Jackson,
busters. lol i needed that pj
@shay_d_lady,
I’d straight up watch shay_d_lady In America.
Well, I didn’t see the first one (I know, I know, shame on me) and only saw a part of the second one (*ducks in case any flying books are coming my way*) but from what I did see, I do like the positive side. I saw the piece on the promise school in NY and the young black children that had test scores that met or exceeded those of their white counterparts. And how my man expanded that same theme and concept to overcoming weight in children. As much of a cliche as it may be, children are and always will be the future and it was so refreshing to see that in one of the places where racism is so overtly expressed, there was a beacon of light and hope. And it was for the physical, not just the mental.
@AshleyNeicole, I REALLY liked that school story, particularly because it looks like they catch everybody as soon as the babies are born and tries to be planted in their lives from the beginning. i am a firm believer in continual reinforcement for those who are at risk. Summer programs, 6 month checkins can’t work for the long term when these people are facing their issues day in and day out. The only problem is we can’t afford to save everybody using this method you know? Maybe welfare reform could attempt to do it though…
@Liz,
I’d love to see state level programs, funded by the federal government, that serve at-risk youth, connecting them with mentors, tutors – the whole nine. However, since America pretty much shirked it’s responsibility to the poor in ’96 when Clinton signed the bill that, in essence, ended welfare, I fear that won’t be the case and that state’s, local organizations and well-meaning individuals will have to continue to do what they can.
@V.E.G., yeah you’re right Bill pretty much screwed us :-
welfare isn’t completely over tho right? I’m pretty sure I have fam on welfare now. i remember everybody was mad and panicked when Bill cut it short back then, though.
*sigh*
i hate how this series always makes me feel helpless!
@Liz,
I was working for a think tank about five years after the bill was passed and we did a lot of research on what happened to folks after the reform. My memory is rusty but there are subsidies – food stamps, housing credits, transportation subsidies, education assistance, child care assistance, etc. But the days of collecting a check while sitting at home are gone. And the amount you get in subsidies, particularly food stamps, are limited and there is now a cut off point for receiving aid.
In theory, this all sounds good. But, in practice, a lot of folks have no skills, can’t find viable work and aren’t receiving any services.
@AshleyNeicole,
somehow i missed this comment…. anyhoo…
i TOO loved the harlem children’s zone. in fact, that segment as well as the capitol prep school segment were my favorite pieces of BiA2–and the only 2 segments i felt were the most compelling as it relates to solving issues that plague the black community (i.e. access to education).
and i too appreciated Canada’s tackling of obesity thru nutrition education!!! learning the importance of nutrition at a young age is soooooo crucial and necessary since blacks suffer from so many disease that can be PREVENTED simply by establishing healthy eating habits early in life.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
Gemmie I agree, I loved the segment about Harlem Children Zone. I just hope that these children recognize these changes as a way of life and not just something they are doing to get a free trip to Disney World.
I also feel that we have been discussing nutrition in school for years and I believe Physical Education programs/classes were created to educate us about exercise and nutrition. However, as a child, I ate what my grandmother cooked, and my parents never exercised so it was not instilled in me to exercise. Until adults/ parents become conscious of this problem and implement healthy eating in the home at an early age, obesity will continue to be a problem.
I spit soda on my screen at the Cripus reference. I have to give you credit for fitting Beyonce and the Boston Massacre into the same post, as well as using Beyonce as multiple parts of speech.
A little dap for that.
@Scott Hanselman,
dude… i like you.
@blackberry molasses, et moi
@Scott Hanselman,
You kinda rock my socks a lil. As a rite of passage on VS, you need a nickname. I’ll think on it. I aint did this in a minute but I shall give you a tour of VSB.
To the left is “The Corner”. It is where the foolish go to reside. Permanent residents include: Aif Wonder, WuDaMan, Overit. I am interim CEO until Goodeness returns. On the right is the Prayer Cubicle. It has cobwebs on it b/c Imam Overit & Deacon PBG have neglected it. The computer we use to email Jesus, Allah & Vishnu crashed last month.
Finally, is the “SAT DOWN” Corner. If you get sent there, it means you’ve said something side-eye worthy. You will be awarded a “FOOL SADDOWN” gift basket if sent there.
This concludes your tour of the VerySmartLand. Please leave a tip.
@Thuggie Luvvie, Dang, when did I get kicked out the IG Corner? Shew… I need to IG it up some more!
I NEED that rice ration the Corner Fools get… times is hard and I’se HONGRY
@Thuggie Luvvie,
Thanks for the tour. Hopefully I’ll get to stay here in genpop with y’all.
I’ll get that tip to you…actually, speaking of tips, you just reminded me I’ve got tips to boil sitting in the other room, so I’ll be back.
@Scott Hanselman, (two days in a row!)
P is good for a random spit on the screen line lol
@Liz,
Ya, I know, it’s crazy. It’s either the content or the threaded replies that’s got me coming back. One of them.
@Scott Hanselman, reciprocal dap, homey.
and it wasn’t easy but i made it work. the only thing i couldnt work in was the periodic table of elements. but just you wait until my next week! tiberium will make its debut.
@Panama Jackson,
if i had a cat, i’d name it tiberium.
All in one week I get demoted from thug to Bambi, get my Jeebs Be game stolen, AND my comments called remedial?
All ya’ll are RUDE. Luvvie, you can take your lilliputian fists and…and….just get off my screen.
@overit,
I can SEE you pouting with your cute little dimpled face all puffed and mad.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWW…. you are the anti-thug. And my e-chile*.
*till you try that running away from home mess again. then i’mma hand you over to Auntie Aif.
@overit,
GET OFF DEEZ!
Ya know what? U’re RUDE for ever thinking u were a thug. Thugs everywhere (like myself) are PISSED! You’re bringing down our property value. U couldn’t scare a Care Bear! HMPH!
@Thuggie Luvvie, overit step to any motherfreaker-luvvie, gem, whoeva. My name IS my name!!!!!
@overit,
*lookin around* who is you talkin to?? i know you didnt just try to size up your etwin!!! musta had me confused with some other hard rock/stone up in this piece…
@Thuggie Luvvie,
bringing down our property value?!?!?!?!?
why kang jesus, lawd must you test me?
*wall slide*
@overit, you know you get called Bambi…cuz you told her to get off your screen.
you got to come hard. gangstas tell folks to get off thigns that don’t make sense.
thats why i tell people to get off my log. lets the mind wander.
@Panama Jackson,
like “black in your throat”
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
lol
@Panama Jackson,
…..and I officially can’t breathe anymore from laughing too much.
I’m with Luvvie and Shay-D. Why are we talking about this again? There are more pressing things to discuss. Like, the best way to add volume to my curls (at the crown).
Thanks.
@V.E.G.,
good question!! tho i have a lot of VOLUME in my hair, i can’t quite get the crown to curl right and be fluffy like the rest of my pelo.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
I have the same problem. My crown is dang near straight and not nearly as fluffy as the rest of my hair. Maybe we are hair twins.
@V.E.G.,
hair twins unite!! i actually meant to have this discussion with my mom’s mixtie hairdresser (who sells mixedchicks–yay!) when we were at her salon. but i was fresh off the plane so i made idle salon gossip chatter instead.
i shall send a message with my mom for next time so we can get some pointers!!
@V.E.G.,
Why are you here again? At midnight no less. Life must be worthless if all you have to do at this hour is complain about not liking the topic. Oh I get it—– you just want to proveyou’re still alive. Yawn. You win.
@GOI,
Sigh.
I was being facetious.
Now get the he!! off my screen.
@V,
girl, maybe should’ve added some smiley faces to your comment. you know b!tches love smiley faces. see example below…
@GOI,
0_O
because trying to put folks on blast over the internet is the new black?!?! what’s your worth then for complaining to the complainer? me thinks you need more people and a life jacket to escape the nonsense you are swimming in.
@SouthernGirl,
“what’s your worth then for complaining to the complainer?”
right now you’re actually complaining to the complainer about complaining to a complainer.
this is fun.
@The Champ,
*giggling*
@The Champ,
complaining to the complainer about complaining to a complainer DEEZ.
i’m being messy and asking questions and sh!t…
@GOI,
LMFAO @ this boo-sheet.
I didn’t know these…
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/ic/blogs/channelsurfing/uploaded_images/trolls-doll-red-hair-700670.jpg
…were a fad again. I guess they are on the internets… ya know, causing mayhem intentionally and whatnot.
The best thing(s) to do is to either ignore or have fun. But, don’t get upset…it’s obviously their intention.
@V.E.G.,
Or the fastest technique to twisting ur hair at midnight
@Thuggie Luvvie, I co sign this.. twisting or banding is the quickest easiest way.. using some elasta qp glaze before twisting…
@V.E.G., I’m with Luvvie and Shay-D. Why are we talking about this again?
mostly cuz i felt like it.
i dont think BiA (both 1&2) should attempt to cover any broad spectrum of the american black experience (whatever that might entail) . i don’t even think its necessary to expose the world (via CNN) to the diversity of the black community.
what BiA should have gone was strictly focus on blacks overall LACK of access in this country. delve into the issues of the educational and economic gap of blacks from greater society. why is it that blacks are dying (by violence & disease) and being incarcerated at such disproportionate rates?? why are blacks typicall portrayed as lazy, dumb, goalless low lifes in the media?? why do black children typically have lower test scores and academic achievement then white children?? why is affirmative action considered reverse racism by many whites AND blacks alike??
i actually think BiA-uno tried to touch on these issues. but soooooo many ppl were in a big tizzy about CNN only covering poor, disparaged (and desperate) blacks as if that were the model for black society. it’s not (duh!) but it’s the part of the black community that needs the most attention. white ppl NEED to know about the plight of black americans and why (lack of access) so many of us are having such a hard time succeeding in this game of LIFE. no need to focus on the black elite, they are doing JUST FINE and have plenty of white connects to keep them at the top. no need to focus on black women who cant find a good man, white ppl cant fix that for us.
i could go on but i wont. but CNN may or may not have had MY intentions for this program in mind. if they did — they werent very successful becuz they got too ambitious and a bit confused. but i honestly think a solid look into “why black ppl seemingly cant get their sh*t together in part due to their f*cked up history AND present” would be an eye-opening informational for this nation and would have been 8hrs well spent.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
I was writing something quite similar and then stopped. You said it all and you said it very well. I have nothing to add.
@V.E.G.,
we share follicular tribulations AND thoughts for vsb commentary?? i think i have a girl crush on you, veggie burger!!
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
LOL @ follicular tribulations.
Coiffure crisis, lock impasse, mane imbroglio, or a sudden weave exigency…
@Scott Hanselman, Coiffure crisis, lock impasse, mane imbroglio, or a sudden weave exigency…
LOL. That made my morning:)
@Scott Hanselman,
okay, I REALLY like you.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
@Scott Hanselman,
tho weave exigencies we have not, you my dear e-friend ROCK
@Scott Hanselman -> AKA @Glucose
It’s me, and now I’m Glucose.
Lace front quandary.
Just had to get that one out.
That is all.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, “why black ppl seemingly cant get their sh*t together in part due to their f*cked up history AND present” would be an eye-opening informational for this nation.
i’m working on it.
@overit,
Looking forward to it.
@overit,
i’m working on it.
that’s what he said.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
lol.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
Cole, u STOOPID lol
@Thuggie Luvvie,
It’s not cool to be mean to someone suffering from stick up a$$ disease.
@Thuggie Luvvie,
That stick in a$$ disease comment was NOT originally in this spot. It was a stand alone comment with an avatar, not a reply. This is BS cuz it looks like I was taking a stab at Gemmie, my hair twin.
@V.E.G., geez calm down. I was trying to move it to the right place and missed. I tried to move it back but gave up. it still says it’s to Luvvie right?
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, good comments. sometimes i wonder if CNN got too real or edgy or solutions-oriented CNN would be afraid to air it? sometimes the style of reporting feels like it’s sensationalized a bit for ratings or sumthin.
@Liz,
i agree. i think CNN has the best of intentions (or at least a gal can hope) with this series. i just think they failed at establishing a clear objective. the 1st BiA was supposed to “start the conversation” — but on what?? being black in america?? hell, i’ve LIVED that convo. that theme needs more ppl….
a very simple and concise objective could have been something like (as seen thru the eyes of MOI): “showing how lack of access to [insert issue here] has negatively affected the progress in achievement of many blacks in america” or something like that, hopefully you get my drift.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, yeah i feel you. i think they could have even teased that out some more in malaak’s story because this is the underlying theme in most if not all the stories they reported.
@Liz,
true. i just think viewers, in general, are confused as to the purpose of BiA. most of the segments are inspiring and heart-warming, but what is the motivation for airing this? just to tell an interesting story about a few blacks in america?? are these stories even interconnected apart from featuring blacks in america?? what is the take home message??
@Liz,
I’m hearing you say that you wish BIA2 was on HBO, not CNN.
@Scott Hanselman,
HBO wouldnt get nearly the exposure as CNN since many americans dont have premium cable.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan ,
Totally get that, I’m just saying the “tone” of HBO is what the series needed. They don’t shy away from anything.
I showed my wife the first part of BIA2 last night and she was confused that Soledad was speaking like this was news.
“In this groundbreaking investigative report, news flash, some black folks got it bad. More after this brief message from our sponsor, Ambi.”
Just sayin’.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
I haven’t focused a lot of attention on this show but how is “showing how lack of access to [insert issue here] has negatively affected the progress in achievement of many blacks in America” this different from what they did. You already know the answer to this as well. I don’t think we as blacks are unaware as to why much of our race is progressing as it should. I feel that most of us aren’t doing anything about it. I’m SURE everyone on this site volunteers and mentors but i doubt the majority of blacks that make it do. Maybe CNN produced this special to motivate (independent of race) people that know about these situations and those that don’t know to do more. I don’t think there is anything CNN can cover about black folks that we don’t already know. I guess this goes back to who might have been their targeted audience.
@Ivy St.,
I don’t think there is anything CNN can cover about black folks that we don’t already know.
my sentiments exactly. which is why i said in my umbrella comment that it was unnecessary to focus on the diversity/overall breadth of blacks in america becuz we know such diversity exists.
my point — CNN should have a specific objective as to what they hope this series accomplishes. in my opinion, all they’ve done is present some unfocused, disparate images of blacks in america that to me only continues to get ppl talking and prob wont get many to acting.
@Liz, Why not PBS or something?
@Liz,
sometimes i wonder if CNN got too real or edgy or solutions-oriented CNN would be afraid to air it?
me too. i think some sh*t just has to be aired on HBO, like any black in america documentary and saturday nights with the champ
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, “why black ppl seemingly cant get their sh*t together in part due to their f*cked up history AND present” would be an eye-opening informational for this nation and would have been 8hrs well spent.
that’s been done. it’s called Roots.
Gem listed what issues she thought the special should have explored.
I’d like to know what everyone else would have liked to see.
@V.E.G.,
ya know, after thinking more about it, i’d be interested in hearing reviews/follow-ups of 2520s take on BiA. some survey polls, interviews, something. becuz ultimately i think that’s the target audience. i mean hell, we mostly know what blacks in america (read: vsbers) think and how they (we) view the problems.
@V.E.G., I’d like to know what everyone else would have liked to see.
now see, had i written about something else, would you have been able to ask this important question of others?
Champ and Panama,
Sorry to be so harsh on here but I read you guys everyday and today I was hoping you would have something more to say about BIA2 because yesterday’s discussion was good (save the drama). It’s annoying to come here and see people instantly bemoan the topic or have these ridiculous e-twin side conversations they can have over email. These cliques detract from what could be an interesting but lighthearted line of dialogue.
@GOI, duly noted, though I guess you could have gone about expressing yourself better (nicer?). but who am i to judge. either way, thanks for expressing your feelings on this.
@GOI,
ya know, tho i’m a repeat offender of perpetual recklessness all up and thru this blog, i see your point on the “cliques” detracting from the overall flow of the convo, esp during more intellectually serious discourse. we just like to have fun and keep it crime-free ’round DEEZ parts. but i’m all for being more mindful of those less friendly to such antics.
bethatasitmay, from what i can see you have contributed NOTHING to the dialogue on the BiA series or any other topic for that matter. BE the change you wanna see (like an obama potus campaign)… unless of course you are disguising your agitated comments under the moniker GOI, a name you don’t usually comment under, becuz you suffer from B*A*N and dont want to catch any flack as a result…
IRregardless, i too am duly noting your comment.
@GOI, Sorry to be so harsh on here but I read you guys everyday and today I was hoping you would have something more to say about BIA2 because yesterday’s discussion was good (save the drama). It’s annoying to come here and see people instantly bemoan the topic or have these ridiculous e-twin side conversations they can have over email. These cliques detract from what could be an interesting but lighthearted line of dialogue.
Actually, we do have the “ridiculous e-twin side convos” over e-mail too:)
I feel where you are coming from with your comment, but 1) you could have tried to engage the posters you feel are guilty of this, and 2) you could try to be a bit more intuitive. Perhaps people don’t feel any discussion centered around BiA2 is “lighthearted”. Perhaps, like me, delving into the topics explored in the series (while at the J-O-B) no less, is depressing as hell. Underneath it all (no Shakira) I am extremely affected by the series, the stories highlighted in it, and how I use my non-work hours reflect that. I try to do my part. That said, I will try to be more mindful of posters who look for more substantive commentary.
Regarding yesterday’s “drama”, did things get a tad ugly? Yes, sometimes its because of misommunication, and other times, its cause many posters fail to stop and think how their words could possibly offend folks. There are a whole myriad of land mines that people set off in here, and sometimes unintentionally. I doubt anyone is harboring any real anger offline, and if they are, they should try to find a way to get the air cleared up, cause most of the time its all laughs and smart talk around here. Everyone on VSB has a story, a background, and personal anecdotes on ish they dealt with, maybe their comments are being filtered through that, whether its offensive or not, its REAL. Everyone can do a better job of trying to acknowledge that a real person could be behind the screen and give them the benefit of the doubt.
Also, I’d like to gently take issue with your use of the term “cliques”, without getting all mushy, I come on here to engage with a lot more than a few folks. I have access to my “clique” offline, so if that was all there is to it, you would not see me around here. I don’t recognize your screen name either, watch out, you stay around long enough, you might end up cracking a joke or two.
@overit,
Actually, we do have the “ridiculous e-twin side convos” over e-mail too:)
lmao in fact. indeed.
and your dissertation on the REAL perspectives of VSBers was moving and deeply touching. i felt you really dug deep on that one!!
oh wait, is this getting too side-convoy e-twinny-ish?? my bad. *pulling the reigns*
@overit,
This tome of urs was great, Z. I’mo have to email you an AIR HUG and a HI-5.
But here I go w/ my comment.
I see no reason in changing the dynamics on VSB b/c of one person’s comment (esp. since they are hiding under anonymity). Yes, we spend threads talking about nothing sometimes but do we make folks’ day go faster? Possibly.
Not only that, but if the ONLY thing we could do on VSB is wax philosophical abut the “meaning of life” and other burdening subjects, I’m pretty sure we’d ALL need a heavy dose of Xanax.
There are A MILLION blogs all about politics and race and cancer and sh*t but there is ONE VSB: Where folks come to loiter during the day. It’s like an eHome.
At the risk of looking like a jerk, GOI, you can pretty much go kick rocks in my book. Others are being nice and justifying themselves but iRefuse. Don’t like the cliques? Scroll past the threads.
That is all.
P.S. What is in the water these past 2 days? Can we go to the days of VSB yorn, when folks were far more relaxed? You know, October 2008?
@Thuggie Luvvie,
“esp. since they are hiding under anonymity.”
Isn’t everyone anonymous? I know all of 5 people on this site.
@Ivy St.,
“Isn’t everyone anonymous?”
No.
@Ivy St., right do we need everyone to sign up with their social sec numbers?
@Thuggie Luvvie,
“Yes, we spend threads talking about nothing sometimes but do we make folks’ day go faster? Possibly.”
In my case: DEFINITELY. I don’t even know what I’d do without ya’ll filling up my work day when it gets slow and there’s n’an project to work on. Today, though? I decided to go shopping instead of
cotton-pickingworking today, but I’m back home and chillin’. And I just had to come back here. lol@GOI,
I can’t add anything else to what overit already brilliantly stated, but I gotta say, truth be told, when I first started lurking here I can admit it was a tad overwhelming…it was probably the largest comment thread I’ve ever seen on a blog at the time.
But, I understood it. This place is not just about foolery (though there is plenty). It’s also not just about heavy-handed discussions. It’s a combo of both. And naturally — especially with us Black folks — we tend to use humor to lighten up a heavy situation.
And because of that nature, I decided to just jump in. Sure a comment can get lost…but that’s more because of he sheer volume of comments, not necessarily the contents. But, I just scroll through (and back and forth…and use the latest comment feature), reading as much as possible because I know everyone could have something important to say.
It probably is distracting for a lot of folks, but I always felt like it sorta…worked. Like, it’s not like I somehow miss or overlook the introspective and engaging discussions among the foolery. I can learn something profound in one comment and be tickled to death in another. Or even in the same comment.
VSB: Where you can go “hmm” and “haha” all within a short time span.
Anyhow, I hope you decide to contribute…I’m sure your comment won’t be entirely overlooked. I love engaging discussions just as much as I like ignant discussions. I just like discussing!
@Cheekie,
yea its like a barbershop/hair salon ya gone crack jokes, get serious, get political and leave feelin better about bein Black in Amerikka
@GOI,
‘methinks the truth doth not spring froward from thine lips…and sh*t’
….seriously though, IMO, your vitriolic attitude towards an otherwise fun & spirited conversation regarding the topic derailed more conversation toward you than the topic. Had you contributed and tried to keep the conversation flowing then maybe the convo would have been kept on topic. What you fail to realize is that the side convos were kept to ONE stream of conversation, which wherein other comments were posted before and after that to address BiA2.
as far as your clique comment…you’re kidding right? what forum, chat room, facebook page, blah blah blah doesn’t form ‘friendships’ where familiar people flock together and converse? I, as a fairly new contributor here, enjoy seeing the camaraderie between posters because it lightens up my day and keeps me coming back to see what such-n-such has said.
most conversations perform in stream of consciousness because that’s how we think. if you don’t like it fine but don’t complain w/o contribution…what is your stance on this topic? I gave mine yesterday btw..
Smiley can’t we all just get along Face
@Smiley Face, I, as a fairly new contributor here, enjoy seeing the camaraderie between posters because it lightens up my day and keeps me coming back to see what such-n-such has said.
I’m glad you not only feel that, but shared as well. I’ve enjoyed your commentary on here, and new or not, it really doesn’t take long to feel like you’re a “regular”. Extra big air hug to you, and happy friday:)
@Smiley Face,
We’re glad to have you. BTW, VSB is like “Cheers”, where everybody knows your name.
Oh and “methinks the truth doth not spring froward from thine lips…and sh*t” pretty much makes me a fan of urs. Old English makes everything funnier.
@Thuggie Luvvie, and overit,
awww…tank chu and happy friday to y’all as well!
@Smiley Face,
“I, as a fairly new contributor here, enjoy seeing the camaraderie between posters because it lightens up my day and keeps me coming back to see what such-n-such has said.”
You expressed exactly what I felt when I first came here. Even though I recognized a few familiar names from other blogs, I was still impressed with the welcome wagon (diva dust an all) and overall family feeling of this place. It’s why VSB is the perfect name for this blog. Because it is full of people that truly feel like brothas and sistas (and e-boos).
@GOI,
Iono about you, but the rest of my life is serious enough. I come here to blow off steam and ack a fool with Very Smart like-minded and not- so- like minded individuals. Sometimes we get serious and have genuinely thought provoking discussions/debates/arguments. We are capable of that, since we are Very Smart People.
And, at least for me (and I can probably speak for the rest of my ‘e-clique’ *snicker*), no one is excluded from engaging in the tomfoolery. We ain’t gon’ o_O someone for chiming in. On the contrary, they’ll prally get a Welcome Swag Bag with Diva Dust ™, shooting gold stars , a tour of The Land of Very Smart People and a Concordance so they can jump in on the jokes. We likes new people’s and sh*t.
So how about you drop the funky attitude and e-live a little?
BTW…
GOOD JOB on derailing the post and having an entire thread focused soley on your funky e-attitude.
You did that on purpose, didn’t you? You sly, clever thing you…
@GOI, first and foremost, welcome and sh*t
i feel you, homey. it doesnt bother when folks bemoan the topic b/c well, it doesnt change the fact that i’m going to write about whatever i feel like writing about, whether anybody likes it or not. i feel like the more people you have come to a site you’re going to get detractors and you’re going to get little e-communities within. its all par the course and doesn’t bother me much. however, i understand how it can be annoying given that (in regards to bemoaning topics) people chose to come and then complain about a place they showed up to willingly.
that’s like going to a kkk rally and being pissed cuz they’re talking about Black people. but it is what it is. we’ve built a pretty comfy spot here on the web where very outspoken people come and speak out.
like i said though, when it’s a topic your interested in and one that, for all intents and purposes, could be beneficial as a whole, it sucks to see folks take shots.
but im panama, folks stay taking shots anyway. sometimes you just have to read and scroll down the parts you’re interested in. its what i do…lawd knows luvvie don’t be talking about nothing all day long.
LOL.
*shots fired*
@Panama Jackson,
“lawd knows luvvie don’t be talking about nothing all day long.”
Ain’t that the truth!
@Ivy St.,
*handing GOI’s life jacket and bundle of more people to ivy*
*snicker*
@SouthernGirl,
you are such a good person. The Sea of Irrelevance is deep and wide. U just saved a life.
@SouthernGirl & BBMo,
yall just lookin to be startin somethin like MJJ, huh??
can we ALL just build a bridge and get like my etwin…OVERIT??
hehe @ me sayin “get over it”. long-hand for GOI
gemmie.. now you know e-mama has Azzhole Syndrome.
I been to the doctah. Ain’t nuthin they can do.
@Panama Jackson,
i understand how it can be annoying given that (in regards to bemoaning topics) people chose to come and then complain about a place they showed up to willingly.
Like ninjas who will keep giving their local KFC money….
@GOI,
my welcome comment disappeared!! no fair *pouting*
oh yeah FYI P, you can apply for MLT but you should be very competitive already, meaning you got good grades in undergrad. I don’t know if they have minimum requirements, but I’m thinking the black overachiever type is who they’re looking for.
somehow someway i came out of this being sympathetic for the black upper class and/or hard workers of America. I mean who else is equipped to be CEOs of Fortune 500 companies? Surely not Pookie. not to say Pookie can’t (and shouldn’t) rise up, but if the black upperclass is already up there who am I to think they need to reach down and save Pookie over focusing on getting us up in the upper echelons of power this country? I think THEy still have a lot of ground to cover themselves. I think maybe we take the upper class for granted in terms of how much they’ve actually “made it” in America. They have more than the middle and lower classes, but I doubt it’s just fun, free and post-racial up there with all the 2520s.
@Liz,
the thing about most blacks in the middle- to upper- class is that they KNOW what it takes to make it in this world. they got it mostly (if not all) figured out. they either have access to the resources they’ll need or they know where to go to get access. i mean, just yesterday many of us were remarking on how we took getting accepted to college for granted becuz many of us were EXPECTED to go to college and make professionals of ourselves. we had parents who made getting a good education a PRIORITY and instilled values in us that allowed us to succeed in grade school, college, grad school, whatev.
much of the lower class do NOT have those same privileges or have the access or haven’t the slightest clue on how to get it. why? there are a myriad of reasons. but i’d venture to say it’s largely becuz they haven’t been taught HOW to go get “it” or see how getting “it” will lead to a greater quality of life and continued connection to the better things in life. i think many have-nots (blacks particularly) get thru life with a “means to an end” mentality built on short term goals (perhaps becuz they don’t know any better) instead of creating a legacy of success built on long term goals that will make life easier for their future generations. i could go on (esp since i can’t sleep lol) but i think you get my point. basically, i think it’s more important to focus on how to bring ppl up from the very bottom (who are clearly strugglin) then bothering to focus on ppl on the middle and top rungs furthering their way to the top (they already bought a vowel and have a clue on the climbing process).
and before anyone misconstrues some of my points about the lower class, i would like to point out that i very well realize there indeed are blacks from poorer, disadvantaged backgrounds that succeed and do very well for themselves. but this isn’t the norm, obviously, or there wouldn’t be a need for the Canadas and Perrys of the world.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, I hear you. much of my opinion comes from the fact that I didn’t need somebody from an elite position to directly “help” me out of my problematic situation. Maybe I was one of the lucky ones, but I don’t really think it was luck, just hard work and some tough decisions on my part and my mother. I think The Cosby Show did a lot for me too tho LOL.
@Liz,
it most certainly isn’t luck. but not everyone is strong-willed or naturally intuitive in going about exercising the keys to success. some ppl need extra help, guidance, inspiration, etc. but more importantly, ppl need to be taught discipline in order to do for themselves.
until the gap is closed, the burden is on those who have/can.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan and Liz, I agree with both of you. Hopefully I read it and comprehended correctly (reading IS fundamental
). There are blacks that have had much less than what we have today that found a way out of their situation. Yes, some people need help and motivation and so those in a position to help should give back. I still don’t agree with someone being such a product of their environment that they can’t make it out. If that were the case, many of us would still be slaves or not far from it. I’ve seen plenty on non upper class or middle class folks make it. I know my thoughts come from my bubble of a life, but does being raised in an upperclass or middle class equate to automatic success or vice versa?
@Liz, but I’m thinking the black overachiever type is who they’re looking for.
well count me out then. overachieving is for p*ssies and short people.
@Liz,
i think the black upper class catch flack for being secluded and out of touch with the problems that lower to middle class blacks have. i’m not saying all are like that, but that’s the perception. i think it’s any person’s duty who has “made it” to give back to his/her respective communities… even if you were born into an affluent family, there are ways to give back. all it takes is extending a hand of opportunity. pookie may not grab your hand… he may spit on it… but at least that hand is there.
@Liz,
Amen!
I think that’s what I got out of it. Those people worked hard to get where they are and instead of people appreciating their work, they are again targeted as not “doing enough”… When is “Pookie” going to actually do something for her/his self?
” Much better than Crispus, which by all accounts means, “he who gets shot first”.”
Why must I cry?!
@miss t-lee, b/c jay already made the song cry. if you tried to do that, you’d just be a biter.
speaking of which…you heard jay’s new song with kanye and rihanna? http://www.zshare.net/audio/630985931b101073/
“we run this town”
thoughts? i got a million.
@Panama Jackson,
I can’t view it at the J on zshare…let me see if I can’t find it on another site…
I’ll be back with a comment.
@ Panama Jackson ,
Okay I’ve had a chance to listen…I think the song would have been better if they wouldn’t have had Rhianna warbling all over it.
The beat is hot, (it’ll be nice in the ride), Kanye’s verse is decent and Jay sounds nice.
@Panama Jackson, OK, this song is bumpin’….
I like when cuts come thru that exhibit an artist having good taste in beats (read: tastes like mine)
Yay Panama, thinking for the children.
This, in particular, stood out to me:
“Most of us couldn’t care less about the plight of the upper crust, however, they still have a plight so in some ways, its good that they get the opportunity to get on TV and say, “its hard out here for me because white people still think I’m just a ninja.”
Even if I felt outta the loop during the upper-echelon segment, I think the above brings home how much we should truly stick together. Even though we’re not all the same and we have different ways of life, we still share this plight. It’s an unfortunate thing to share (but we share positive things, too); however, it does bring us all together in this unwritten, unspoken way. Even if we never happen to meet.
So, I may snark about it, but it’s all really about love. Sorta how I do my family. lol
@Cheekie,
yes yes yes cause it truly does take all kinds………………………….. ours, theirs, others, other others LOL etc etc etc…..cool peoples are cool peoples
The Champ and Panama III,
I want to suggest a topic of discussion for next week: the outcome of the family court dispute between Nas and Kelis. Let’s discuss the judge’s award to Kelis of alimony, child support, attorney’s fees, etc. Nas will pay more per month for 1 child and 1 wife (about $44,000) than RSimmons paid Kimora and the 2 daughters (about $40,000). Does Nas generate more income now than Russell did then? How are these awards calculated? What are the responses of the VSBs and VSSs?
@magnum,
Nas should immediately file for a re-trial and categorically deny every owning anything other than a pack of Black and Milds.
And call JAY Z for a loan.
@magnum,
There’s a beautiful blues song about this. *sniggling*
http://www.imeem.com/artists/johnnie_taylor/music/tl7-ErVs/johnnie-taylor-cheaper-to-keep-her/
@miss t-lee,
That is one of my favorite JT songs! It comes right after “Last $2″ which will be in my head all day thanks to you! LMAO *singing* (But these last 2 dollas, I’m not gonna lose” LOL
@Ms. T,
There’s a JT song for every situation.
YES!!!!
@magnum,
duly noted and sh*t, m
@magnum,
is ANY body really worth 10s of thousands of $$ a month?? i doubt it. but then again i dont come from a wealthy family so i have no idea what lifestyles ppl have come accustomed to (*side-eye*).
kelis’ milkshake not only brings all the boys to the yard, but also winning trials to the court, and dolla billz to the bank. NaS is prob on some “i.hate.you.so.much.right.now” and i dont blame him.
@magnum, Right?!?!
I read that and thought to myself… and someone said Nas was broke? According to this, No he ain’t.
@pgh muse, That ish right there is CRAZY!!
@pgh muse, Nas, N*gger is no longer the name of an album, it’s how they treated your wack arse up in the courts this week. That Kelis ain’t nothing but Bucky The Cluck but now she buying diamond nuggets to go with her corn kernels and your looking like Booboo The Fool. Sux to be you, N*gger.
@magnum,
Maybe Nas and Kelis should have gone to the counselor on the BIA series!?! Like Miss T-Lee said, It would have been cheaper to keep her!
@magnum, yeah, that case was some bupkus though i dont know how it all works.
to be clear, its 10K in child support, and 30K in spousal support for kelis.
but yeah, that’s retarded. but i’m also not a big fan of spousal support anyway. not for a long period of time. what has kelis done to warrant 30k/month? WHO IN THE HELL REALLY NEEDS THAT MUCH A MONTH PERIOD?!?!!
i mean that might be puffy’s proactiv budget, but he’s puffy…he’s not normal anyway. i still think jordan got raked over the coals too.
@magnum,
i bet nas will go back and listen to his song, “Gettin Married,” and cringe at the line where he mentions he doesn’t need a prenup… lol…
@magnum, can’t wait for that one, because I can go off on that one.
Didn’t watch any of Black In America, so I got nothing for that.
@magnum,
Nas will pay more per month for 1 child and 1 wife (about $44,000) than RSimmons paid Kimora and the 2 daughters (about $40,000).
Wow…did the judge let Nas put the KY on first before giving him the bidness like that?
Panama, I think you uploaded the wrong file and redid yesterday’s post.
@Dorian G.,
Cole, you STOOPID!
@Dorian G.,
file deez
@Dorian G., i did? F*CK.
thanks for pointing that out homey. a true humanitarian are you.
Didn’t watch it
As profound and “ground-breaking” as this series may be, the things that irritate me most about the Black Community will continue to exist.
NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Dakota B,
Well until we step up to the plate and do what is necessary to progress our race. How would you suggest we jump start this?
@Ivy St.,
I wish I knew. I really really do. But I don’t and unfortunately, all I do is try not to be that which I despise.
Black folks have a such a laundry list of problems, where do you start. The answers are always the same, the debates are always the same.
We talk about it, write books about it, it becomes a hot topic and then NADA.
Wow. I’m giving everybody on VSB an e-hug. It’s been a little hot around these parts over the past couple days. But, instead of blaming CNN, I blame the summer. U know what they say about too many black folk in one room — it’s bound to get a little errr ahhh — toasty hee hee. Happy Friday Folks!! Keep up the great dialogue, and the snark. I read VSB daily – i needs my shot!
@pgh muse,
Musie-kins!!! *AIR HUGS* to ya too!
@pgh muse,
Happy Friday!!! TGIF!!
@pgh muse,
“I blame the summer.”
If we’re blaming summer, let it be known, I’ve been mad since March.
*shakes fist*
@pgh muse,
the last thing i want when i’m hot is a HUG. but thanks for the offer, i know that was coming from a loving place. what you could do is get me a church fan. that’d work wonders for me in this heat.
@pgh muse, U know what they say about too many black folk in one room — it’s bound to get a little errr ahhh — toasty hee hee.
Methinks heat is why certain international conflicts don’t die, lol.
Happy Friday, I never refuse an air hug, so right back at ya:)
@pgh muse,
*puff puff* pass here bruh bruh a real air hug for ya
That dude from Journey is probably getting mad texts about mad crazy ninja chex and wondering when did black folks start listening to DON’T STOP BELIEVING….
then he’ll realize those texts are supposed to be going to the OTHER Steve Perry…
I almost hate for these shows to put the spotlight on folks like Steve Perry. Once they do, then the usual ninja suspects, TJMS, ESSENCE, OPRAH, TYRA, EBONY, JET, Superhead, Miss Jay…etc…etc….etc… start banging on his door and having him on their shows and before too long, dude or dudette has to resign from their gigs to become one of the Usual Ninja Suspects themselves.
@T. Troy Stewart, he’s well on his way anyway…lest we forget he has a myspace page.
on the real though, i wouldn’t be surprised if these folks kind of positioned themselves so that they could get more pub and press. i’d say that probably 80 percent is genuine and the rest is self-interest. but at the sametime, as long as they keep doing good community work, i cant be mad at any media whoring.
@Panama Jackson, myspace hasn’t gone out of business yet?
@T. Troy Stewart, you would think it did the way everyone slurps and obsesses over Facebook these days.
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
Did you say slurp?!?!? hahahha
Not I, I refuse. I’m staying on myspace for sheer spite.
@miss t-lee, I had been tempted with everyone skeeting about it so damn much, but I remind myself of the slime that Facebook oozes and I come back down to earth.
Besides, I don’t see what’s wrong with being on 2 or more social media sites. Why does one have to DROP one to be on another? Does Facebook have an exclusivity agreement or something?
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
ooookay? skeeting? ha-hahahah
Well it’s good to see you share my same sentiment. I barely keep up with one social site, much less more than one, dah well. It’s just not that serious.
@T. Troy Stewart,
then he’ll realize those texts are supposed to be going to the OTHER Steve Perry…
LMAO!
@T. Troy Stewart,
That dude from Journey is probably getting mad texts about mad crazy ninja chex and wondering when did black folks start listening to DON’T STOP BELIEVING….
then he’ll realize those texts are supposed to be going to the OTHER Steve Perry…
You CANNOT have me laughing that hard! I almost aspirated my tea into my lungs. Why u tryna kill me? Just WRONG.
@blackberry molasses, miss t-lee, yall know that 2520 Steve Perry was on the phone with Kanye trying to get in the studio to remix OPEN ARMS w/T-Pain and Yung Jeezy, trying to milk some of the Ninja Steve Perry’s shine
@T. Troy Stewart, Steve Perry’s a weird fellow…seems like that cat doesn’t even LIKE making music anymore. Duke is like the white Lauryn Hill up in this beast.
@T. Troy Stewart,
LMAO!!!
Please stop.
Personally I think he shoulda just remixed “Any Way You Want It”.
@T. Troy Stewart,
That dude from Journey is probably getting mad texts about mad crazy ninja chex and wondering when did black folks start listening to DON’T STOP BELIEVING….
Bwahahaha! I missed the first part of BiA2, so I googled “Steve Perry” and to my utter surprise was greeted with the lovely arse of Journey dude! Lol!
That’s hilarious!
I just want to say that this new Jay-Z – We Run This Town with Kanye & Rihanna is a good look… Kanye killed it. I guess he got the autotune memo…
@SouthernCharm,
Well according to Hov, Kanye is the one who told him to say something about it cuz it was getting out of hand
@Dorian G.,
word… but i meant those of us who wished kanye would go back to actually spittin’ after the 808′s & heartbreak experiment.
this joint is pretty cool though…
for those who want to listen:
http://www.blindiforthekids.com/2009/07/jay-z-run-this-town-feat.-rihanna-kanye-west/
Seein that part about West Oakland really kinda hit home I know hella bruhs like that. Kinda like a never ending cycle. I hope CNN broke them some bread.
But dude was stupid for quitin jobs. I used ta grind but afta my son came i changed and i aint neva goin back in the cage. them bars is real and the concrete floors are cold. Ill be a broke ninja its to much at stake to go back. like my pops told me dont me picky low money is betta than no money and it beats a blank. I used ta clean gas station bathrooms justa pay for school and take care of my son, hell i wasa pizza delivery boy, workin 2 jobs i did whateva like a strait jamaican. my son always got tha new jordan/lebrons and i hadta wait a year later to get um(when they half price) but thas wha dads do.
@BLUNTBLAZER,
yeah dude acted out of despiration, which is one of the worse emotions to act out of… and a rule of thumb is to never quit a job before securing another… i feel bad for him, his bm, and his kids though b/c it seemed like he was really trying to turn it around.
@SouthernCharm,
i dunno i dont think he was about change he still was wear 200dolla jeans i mean 4 real tho i got levis 501′s 30bucks
@BLUNTBLAZER,
I thought he was going to change too…
Maybe his jeans were a gift??? IDK!
But you said you are wearing 30 jeans but your son is wearing $100 tennis shoes… but you aren’t hustling so why he had to hustle to wear those jeans? I’m just asking.
@Ms. T,
50dolla shoes he only 5
@Ms. T, broke ninja math
1 pair 200$ jeans = 3 work shirts for me, a pair a kakhis for me, jordans for my seed, 3 outfits for my seed, some socks for me and a full tank of gas in my v8 big body buick. thas how i do it.
@BLUNTBLAZER, tell em why you mad son!!
“but thas wha dads do.” you betta say that sh*t boy!! if i knew how to roll a blunt i’d roll one for ya..yeah it’s that serious, lol
@Smiley Face,
sacrafice ill look bumby but my son stay fresh to death
@BLUNTBLAZER,
I hope CNN broke them some bread.
*side eye* you CAN’T be serious…. or are you??
and i think it’s great you recognize getting A (legitimate) paycheck is better than NO paycheck. too many dudes out there gettin their eddie murphy RAW on and creatin all these babies they have no intention or means to take care of — not to mention all the chicks lettin this madness occur with HIV/AIDs on the murder-death rampage.
while, like chris rock, i don’t applaud n*ggas for doing sh*t their supposed to do, i am glad to hear you take care of your son and make sure his needs are taken care of.
….but we gotta talk about this jordan nonsense. i mean, the have-nots and barely-haves need not be g’ing their kids up on some name-brands. come on now.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
CNN got bread for makin/showin this so why not break the subjects off some bread. If noth anything more than start a trust fund for the kids. other than that they jus used um.
and about tha jordans if ya think about it I have a 5yr old boy thas 4ft 60 pounds. them 5/10 dolla shoes last a week you get wha you pay for . those 50dolla jordans last 4 months you do tha math.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, to play devil’s advocate, not all Jordans are AIR Jordans…that brand has had a full line of kicks plenty fresh yet nowhere near as expensive for 12 years now. Plus there is Ross, Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, Nike Factory Store, and clearance sale items at regular stores (and the swap meet) for days. Anyway, all that to say, breaking oneself on new release Air Jordans at Foot Locker ain’t the only way to get a jumpman on your feet.
Yep, got my bargain hunt game down pat for when I finally have kids.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
It starts early.
Ninja’s spend alot of time and money trying to feel and look special, from the loud colors, to the loud mouths, the loud rims and the loud everything, all that stuff says “Look At Me”.
Look at my house, my car, my kids, my clothes, look at everything but the REAL ME. That way maybe you won’t know how effed up I really am.
@Dakota B,
I believe in spendin good money on shoes cause why you wear them more than other clothes and you need proper support. If pro-wings made a bomb a$$ shoe id cop those but they so cheap they fall apart ina week. You eva tried ta hoop in some payless shoes? you gone break somethin
@BLUNTBLAZER,
As much as I can’t justify spending money on clothes, I agree if you’re going to spend money on something, you invest in your body parts:
Feet, Back, Butt.
That means nice shoes, good bed, and a nice chair.
Jeans from Old Navy, sure, but Cole Haan for my feet.
@BLUNTBLAZER
You wrote: “…my son always got tha new jordan/lebrons…”
That blows me.
@Dakota B,
well than take a deep breath and…………………………………………………………………..blow on deeeez nutz
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